LOOKING at the Tigers' next two league fixtures – against Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough – fans might be tempted to think it's time to cash in.
To me, though, every month is time to cash in for Steve Bruce's side.
No team is a pushover in the Championship, but I've seen Sheffield Wednesday a few times and I don't believe they are anything to worry about, if City play anything like.
However, Bruce has to get it into his players to give 100 per cent. Anything less and they can get turned over.
The last time the teams met it was on the back of a three-game losing streak for City.
Bruce altered his formation that day from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 and won 1-0.
This time – with the Tigers flying after a great points return over Christmas – I can't see him shifting from his favoured 3-5-2.
In Robbie Brady and Ahmed Elmohamady, the Tigers have got two players who can fire in the crosses and the 3-5-2 is used in a positive formation, rather than being looked on as having five players at the back.
That 3-5-2 suits City down to the ground, and I can see Bruce sticking with it to the end of the season, as long as his players stay fit.
For me, I'm now confident City have a great chance of collecting three points week-in, week-out.
Unlike other teams, where you look at the shock results and wonder what side turned up, I trust City will turn up consistently.
I can count on the fingers of one hand where the Tigers haven't – and that consistency is down to the manager.
He's got that blend of youth and experience at his disposal.
And those coming off the bench or returning from injury or suspension are willing to battle for a starting role.
Take Nick Proschwitz.
He's not the number one striker, and it wasn't his best game against Orient, but he got himself a goal and showed he's willing to fight for his chance.
